Changing His Course for a Higher Calling

        One Sunday morning over 25 years ago Chad Killebrew walked into my office at First Baptist Church on West Third Avenue.  Chad was a young reporter at The Dispatch and I was still considered the “new” pastor of First Baptist.  Chad asked me if I would be interested in writing a religion column for the paper.  I hesitated because I knew I would be replacing the legendary Dr. Lee Jessup who wrote an animated weekly column.  Lee was Lexington’s pastor, a local icon, and I couldn’t imagine following in his storied footsteps.  I didn’t consider myself a gifted writer, but Chad explained I would only be writing once every four weeks.  The main reason I said yes was because of my respect and admiration for Chad.

        Chad grew up in Bryson City, North Carolina, where his family was deeply involved in the life and ministry of First Baptist Church.  The church was Chad’s second home and he has never taken his faith or his Baptist heritage lightly.  Even though Chad had been attending First Baptist in Lexington, he waited until he could meet the new pastor before he made a commitment to officially become a member.  I guess I passed muster because it happened soon after I arrived. 

        Through the years Chad and Sheila have been vitally involved in the life of our church. They are also good friends and it has been a joy to know them and watch their sons, Charlie and Andy, grow and mature. Neither Chad nor Sheila had Lexington roots, and Chad said he originally thought he would only be in Lexington a few years before moving to a larger paper, but life doesn’t always take us where we thought we were going.

        Chad’s gifts as a journalist were being recognized and he was moving up the ladder at The Dispatch.  His family was finding Lexington a wonderful place to call home.  Then Chad was named Executive-Editor, an honor he richly deserved.  One of the first major changes he made as Editor was eliminating the popular, yet controversial and anonymous, “Bricks and Bouquets,” from the Editorial page. His decision upset some people, but Chad believed if you were going to publically criticize someone by casting a “brick” you ought to have enough courage to sign your name. 

        That decision told us a lot about our new Editor.  He was always fair and balanced, always transparent and above-board.  The Editorial page was Chad’s pulpit.  His opinions were well researched, measured, and compelling.  He wrote with honesty, clarity, and integrity.  I have especially enjoyed his many editorials through the years on church and state.  Chad was “raised right” as a true Baptist and separation of church and state is one of our hallmark beliefs.  I could see his Baptist background and his foundational conviction to the First Amendment shining through his eloquent words, even as he knew many would take exception to his views. 

        In Chad’s last article before announcing his resignation, he talked about the importance of a free press in today’s volatile world.  He shared how the media is frequently maligned and journalists are easy fodder for politicians, but then added: “Readers don’t have to always agree with what we report, but I hope they will value the contributions we make to keeping people informed . . .”  

        Over 25 years after Chad enlisted me to write a religion column, I am still writing and yes, Chad, we greatly value your contributions through the years.  You have made a significant difference in our community.  You have not only kept us informed, but your editorials have kept us honest.  You have told the truth and your wisdom and insight have made us better people and a stronger community. 

        The print media has faced unprecedented challenges over the past decade.  I know it has been extremely frustrating for Chad as The Dispatch has been blown and tossed like a small ship in a great storm at sea.  But now Chad is changing his own personal course. 

        I will miss Chad at The Dispatch.  I will miss his folksy Saturday articles.   But as former Editor Larry Lyon left The Dispatch for a higher calling, so has Chad.  Now he will be investing in the lives of young people.  He will be using his vast knowledge and experience in journalism to prepare a future generation.  The students of Central Davidson High School will be blessed by his presence.  And who knows, maybe the next best selling Pulitzer Prize-Winning author may be waiting for a teacher like Chad to unlock her potential!

        Thank you Chad!  Job well done!